Vane locking apparatus

Abstract

A locking apparatus for securing a turning vane to a duct rail is disclosed. The locking apparatus includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and a working end including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arcuate portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion, second end portion, and arcuate portion together define a concavity that is configured for the reception of a portion of the turning vane therein. The arcuate portion is configured for engagement against the portion of the turning vane to roll the portion of the turning vane over a portion of the duct rail. The rolling of the portion of the turning vane over the portion of the duct rail is configured to secure the turning vane to the duct rail.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A locking apparatus for securing a turning vane to a duct rail, the locking apparatus comprising:
 an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and a working end comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arcuate portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the first end portion, second end portion, and the arcuate portion together defining a concavity that is configured for the reception of a portion of the turning vane therein, the arcuate portion configured for engagement against the portion of the turning vane to roll the portion of the turning vane over a portion of the duct rail, the rolling of the portion of the turning vane over the portion of the duct rail configured to secure the turning vane to the duct rail.   
     
     
         2 . The locking apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first end portion extends from the working end farther than the second end portion. 
     
     
         3 . The locking apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the engagement of the arcuate portion against the portion of the turning vane rolls the portion of the turning vane along the arcuate portion in the direction of the first end portion. 
     
     
         4 . A method for securing a turning vane to a duct rail, the method comprising:
 inserting a mounting portion of a duct rail into a cavity of a turning vane;   positioning a working end of a locking apparatus against a portion of the turning vane; and   driving the working end of the locking apparatus against the portion of the turning vane to roll the portion of the turning vane over a portion of the duct rail, the rolling of the portion of the turning vane over the portion of the duct rail securing the turning vane to the duct rail.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein positioning the working end of the locking apparatus against the portion of the turning vane comprises:
 positioning an arcuate portion that extends between a first end portion and a second end portion of the working end against the portion of the turning vane.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein driving the working end of the locking apparatus against the portion of the turning vane to roll the portion of the turning vane comprises driving the arcuate portion of the locking apparatus against the portion of the turning vane to roll the portion of the turning vane in the direction of the first end portion. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the first end portion extends farther from the working end of the locking apparatus than the second end portion.